Highlights Of Laos

14 days - from $900

After years of war, peace and tranquillity have come to Laos and this small landlocked nation is slowly opening its doors and offering the intrepid traveller a warm welcome. We travel by a wide variety of local transport including bus, songthaew, tuk-tuk, Mekong riverboat, mini-van, train and pirogue (narrow canoe). Accommodation is in simple hotels and guesthouses.

From Bangkok we travel north to the mighty Mekong River and cross into Laos. Crossing the river is like stepping back in time to old South East Asia. Following the river we visit the beautiful town of Luang Prabang and then continue to Vang Vieng and the sleepy capital of Vientiane. Crossing the International Friendship Bridge we re-enter Thailand and take the overnight sleeper train back to Bangkok.

Highlights

• Vang Vieng's river
• Muay Thai in Bangkok
• The reclining golden Buddha of Wat Po
• The monks of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang
• The ethnic tribes of Pakbeng
• Kuang Si Waterfalls
• Mekong slow boat cruise
• The Buddha images of Tam Ting Cave
• Huay Xai - old Yunnanese caravan disembarkation point

Itinerary:

Day 1: Bangkok2: Bangkok3: Chiang Mai4: Huay Xai5: Pakbeng6-8: Luang Prabang9-10: Vang Vieng11-12: Vientiane13-14: Bangkok

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guides in each country, and professional local site guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok - Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha and Wat Po; hundreds of Buddha statues in Pak Ou Caves; Kuang Si Falls; Vang Vieng Caves; Vientiane including Wat Si Saket; and crossing of the International Friendship Bridge into Thailand.

• Slow boat cruise down the Mekong River to observe local life, with a night in a simple hostel in Pakbeng – home to the Hmong and tribal Thais.

• Free time to explore Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Huay Xai, Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

• Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and from Nong Khai to Bangkok (unescorted).

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.